When we compare the given equations to slope intercept equation of a line y = mx + b, we get

slope of line 1 = 3/4

slope of line 2 = -4/3

Multiply the slopes :

The product is

= (3/4) x (-4/3)

= - 1

Since the product of slopes of the lines is -1, the given lines are perpendicular.

Example 6 :

In the diagram given below, the equation y = 3x/2 + 3 represents a mirror. A ray of light hits the mirror at (-2, 0). What is the equation of the line p that is perpendicular to the mirror at this point ?

Solution :

The slope of the mirror is 3/2. So, the slope of the line p is -2/3.

Let y = mx + b be the equation of the line p.

Substitute (x, y) = (-2, 0) and m = -2/3 to find the value of b.

0 = (-2/3)(-2) + b

0 = 4/3 + b

Subtract 4/3 from both sides.

-4/3 = b

So, the equation of the line p is

y = -2x/3 - 4/3

After having gone through the stuff given above, we hope that the students would have understood "Parallel and perpendicular lines".

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